Rare Photos Reveal Fascinating Views of the Apollo 11 Landings

You're looking at Buzz Aldrin lifting his boot before taking the photo of the most iconic footprint in history. It's one of the many discarded Apollo images stored in NASA's archives. Here's a collection of those rare, funny, intimate, and always fascinating views to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the landing on the Moon.

Apollo 11 astronauts, still in quarantine van, are greeted by wives upon arrival at Ellington AFB on July 27, 1969.

The gold replica of an olive branch the traditional symbol of peace, which was left on the moon's surface by the astronauts. Armstrong, Commander, was in charge of placing the branch on the Moon. The gesture presented a fresh wish for peace for all mankind.